12. What a coincidence, I’m also a charlatan

After thanking me for my earlier assistance, the implications of the request made by the saintess Izalis are as clear as day in the script!

【Izalis is looking forward to Oujili De’s protection!】

After all, this trope is rather “clichéd.” A “nobody with no status or ability” happens to save a goddess-level beauty, who, without any airs, falls for him at first sight, as if she hasn’t seen an outstanding man in centuries.

Whether I truly am a “poor boy” is something I don’t have time to explain, but following the saintess’s words, a trouble has emerged that doesn’t even need a script for me to notice—standing in rows beside the girl are the elven elders.

They are certainly not here just to serve as decoration.

“Saintess, this simply cannot be!”

Elves have long lifespans, so these elderly gentlemen and ladies, who are practically sages, obviously understand the meaning behind Izalis’s words. They exchanged glances, and then, with a rustle, bowed their heads before her.

“While these three elves saved you and deserve your gratitude, your safety cannot be entrusted to just anyone, especially not after what has already transpired!”

“At that time, those negligent guards, we would immediately request a replacement from His Majesty the King! You can’t just let a stranger get so close to you because of a momentary gratitude!”

The circle of old men and women surrounding us seemed less like a “persuasion” and more like a veiled threat. Although I could somewhat hear the disdain in the elves’ words towards us, we were, after all, a group of three without any status in this era. In such a situation, patience was key; there was no need to stir up trouble.

“But Elders, he saved me, and he is indeed a genuine fairy envoy.”

The next moment, the saint’s reaction surprised me.

Unlike some foolish fairy saint, this elf truly resembled a genuine saint, unyielding to the opinions of these so-called “elders,” and she responded to differing viewpoints without a hint of hesitation.

It seemed that the thought of “wanting me to protect” was not a spur-of-the-moment idea, but rather… a sentiment that Izalis had already prepared?

“He appeared at the right time, as if the will of order was guiding me. Because… this is the first time since the kingdom’s existence that something from the goddess’s ritual has occurred, right?”

Ignoring the bowed heads of the elder elves, the girl’s other eye, not hidden by her long hair, gazed directly at me.

“The first time encountering danger, and coincidentally being saved by him, who is appearing for the ‘first time’—everyone, isn’t this truly ‘fate’?”

It really wasn’t.

The reason I got involved was based on my assessment of the script, and naturally, discovering that the saint was in danger while I was meddling was also a result of weighing the pros and cons.

However, I certainly couldn’t reveal this secret, and… those elder elves, chattering away about how the saint shouldn’t concern herself with a “minor character” like me, would definitely not let me off easily.

“But, the saint is equivalent to the three princesses of Rodland; to have qualified guards protecting someone of her status, one must have some standing! So, I wonder, Mr. Oujilide, what is your background and family? Our White Knight has investigated around your residence, but found nothing substantial; all we heard was that you came from a nearby town for leisure.”

As he spoke, one of the old men seemed to have found our “weakness.” He shot me a sidelong glance, clearly signaling me: be smart and ask for something trivial, then leave quietly!

【The elder elves are suspicious of Oujilide’s identity.】

The script unfolded, and I certainly wouldn’t be intimidated by an old man, but if the content of the script were to become reality, it would pose quite a problem for our group.

After all, a general investigation around us wasn’t an issue; Nilu had already instructed Jias to implant simple “memories” about us in the nearby elves a few days ago. However, if they delved deeper into our identities, it would be unrealistic for the three of us, with our “no status” identities, to rely on Jias to suppress it.

Seeing that I didn’t respond, the old man likely thought I was “afraid,” and he let out a satisfied hum. Yet, being in front of the saint, he still had to maintain a certain image, so he graciously offered me an out.

“The guards may not be suitable, but… the Rodland Kingdom naturally wants to express gratitude for your protection of the saint. So, feel free to state your requests; as long as they are reasonable, we, the elder elves of Rodland, will do our utmost to fulfill them~ Just, you are prohibited from mentioning any further connection with the saint!”

Arrogant and pleased, he certainly was, but judging by his words, this elder elf hadn’t done anything outrageous. To be safe, it was best to choose to leave obediently at this moment, while maximizing the use of the requests made: for instance, “We hope to meet with the three princesses,” so that we could maintain a low profile while also preparing for our plan to meet the true forms of the fairy sisters in this era!

As for the Saintess’s gaze, which seemed to be “anticipating my resistance,” I truly wasn’t captivated or enchanted. After all, I didn’t undertake the previous rescue to win the goddess’s heart or to ride the wave of fortune; I had to consider the scripts of Kephir and Nilu.

“Then, my request is…”

In the next moment, I slowly began to speak.

To make a request, to approach the main storyline, but at this moment, my intentions were abruptly overturned by the content that appeared in the script!

[The elders beside Izalis are mostly trusted confidants of the three white-haired elven princesses.]

These words from the script made me choke back the second half of what I had already said!

“What? What exactly is your request?”

The elven elder from before was already a bit impatient, wanting to ask and then hurry us along.

But no wonder, no wonder! Earlier, I was puzzled as to why these “elven elders” had rushed in to eavesdrop on gossip when the Saintess met with us. Now it seems… so that’s how it is.

The specific details might have to wait until later when I explain to Kephir and Nilu, but what I needed to do had already been confirmed from the script. After all, the series of events unfolding in the script, this pattern, felt rather “familiar” to me.

Isn’t this just the kind of “hero saving the beauty” plot you see in the evening drama slots? Although my goal certainly wasn’t to return with the beauty in my arms, still… let me make a little use of this clichéd storyline!

“My request is: I hope we can protect the Saintess!”

I glanced at the elven elder who was momentarily stunned by my words, then turned my gaze to the Saintess Izalis herself.

“What the Saintess said about ‘fate’ isn’t wrong; after all… I am also a member of the clergy. Aren’t we a match made in heaven? What do you think, esteemed elders?”

——

Ah, it’s almost October, and my heart is heavy.

Everyone, remember to give me your monthly votes next month, sob sob sob.